Any relationship between a human and an animal relies on trust for it to be effective and reciprocal. An animal must trust you completely in order for it to feel comfortable around you and to know that you will never harm it; horses are not different except that they are highly sensitive to begin with, so additional care is needed when building your bond together. Here are some ways to strengthen this trust with your horse.

Steps

1

Spend time with your horse. It is not going to work at all if your horse rarely sees you, smells you, gets to know you. Every weekend is probably not enough - try to see your horse at least daily and spend time with your horse at least twice a week.

2

Talk to your horse gently, using the same tone always. The aim is to let the horse expect that you will always be calm, ready for friendship and capable with your handling of every situation.

3

Spend time grooming your horse as a bonding exercise. Although for your own sake this isn't about standing right behind the horse's back legs, it is about taking the time to groom daily, to whisper reassuring words as you groom, and the let your horse grow to understand that this is always a pleasant time spent between the two of you.

4

Feed your horse well. A horse that gets good nutrition from you will reward you with health and is more likely to be responsive to your training and care.

5

Sit down next to them and relax with them for a while. There are times when it is important to "just be" around your horse - no training, no feeding, no cajoling, no grooming. Instead, just spend time being with your horse being one of the herd, expecting nothing but small talk and maybe petting or scratching your horse if he wants it.